26 January 2015 - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Senior Advisor on Climate Vulnerability, Mr. Robert D. Watkins, called on Philippine Ambassador Cecilia B. Rebong at the Philippine Mission office in Geneva on January 14 to convey to the Philippine delegation the continuing commitment of the UNDP to assist the Philippines as it begins its chairmanship of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF).

The Philippines assumed the leadership of the CVF when the Philippines, through Climate Change Commission (CCC) Commissioner, Secretary Lucille Sering, accepted the offer of Costa Rica to be the next Chair of the CVF. The CVF is a block of countries from Asia, Africa and Americas that are vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Its aims are sharing of good practices on adaptation, mitigation, sustainable development, financing, governance, low emission economic development, and other important fields linked to climate change policy.

Ambassador Rebong said that the Philippine Mission in Geneva will work hand in hand with the UNDP in raising awareness on the negative effects of climate change and the important role that climate vulnerable countries play in climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.

Ambassador Rebong also informed Mr Watkins that the Philippines, along with Bangladesh, is spearheading the preparations for the full day high level panel discussions on the adverse impact of climate change on the full and effective enjoyment of human rights during the March session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Accompanying Mr. Watkins is CVF Head of the Technical Secretariat Matthew McKinnon.  Philippine Mission officer Minister Enrico T. Fos assisted Ambassador Rebong. END